Child Protection Policy

This document is formulated in response to recent changes in Guidance and Procedures in relation to Child Protection matters and takes account of the provisions of each of the following important pieces of legislation:

· Freedom of Information Act 1997

· The Education Act 1998

· The Child Welfare Act 2000

· Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011.

The new procedures are based on the recently published Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2011.

The Board of Management (BoM) recognises that child protection and welfare considerations permeate all aspects of school life and must be reflected in each school policy, school practices and activities. Accordingly, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Skills, Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, the BoM of Holy Family School has approved this Child Protection Policy.

The BoM has adopted and will fully implement without modification the Department of Education and Skills Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools 2011. These procedures will therefore underpin the content of this policy.

The following key personnel have been identified and ratified by the BoM:

The Designated Liaison Person (DLP) is Ed O’ Brien.

The Deputy Designated Liaison Person (Deputy DLP) is Francis Quill.

The names of the DLP and DDLP are posted on the wall adjacent to each of the 5 exits from the school and updated annually each September.(Appendix 3)

In its policies, practices and activities, Holy Family School will adhere to the following principles of best practice in Child Protection and Welfare. Our school recognises that the protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations and will therefore;

· Fully co-operate with the relevant statutory authorities in relation to child protection and welfare matters

· Adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of harm or accidents happening to children and protect workers from the necessity to

take unnecessary risks that may leave themselves open to accusations of abuse or neglect

· Develop a practice of openness with parents and encourage parental involvement in the education of their children

· Adhere to the above principles in relation to any adult pupil with a special vulnerability

Specific policies named hereunder are key elements of this overall document and must be referred to in the context of this policy:

· Attendance

· Enrolment

· Code of Behaviour

· Bullying

· Health & Safety

· Record Keeping

· ICT

· Supervision

· Special Ed

· Induction of Staff

· Tours/Trips

· Critical Incidents

This policy will also be considered with reference to the participation by pupils in sporting activities, other extra-curricular activities and school outings. Other practices and activities, where child protection might have particular relevance, will consider the procedures outlined within this policy. The Board has ensured that the necessary policies, protocols or practices as appropriate are in place in respect of each of the above listed items.

This policy is available to all school personnel and the Parent Association and is readily accessible to parents on request. It is also available in hard copy in each classroom. A copy of this policy is available for the attention of the DES and the patron if requested.

Designated Liaison Person (DLP)

In Holy Family School the Principal, Ed O’ Brien, appointed by the BoM, is the DLP. Francis Quill acts as Deputy DLP. Both have undertaken training for the Child Abuse Prevention Program and will, together with the staff, engage with any future training siminarsorganised by CAPPon the Stay Safe Programme.

The DLP has specific responsibility for Child Protection Procedures and will represent the school in all correspondence with Health Boards, An GardaSiochana and other parties in connection with allegations of abuse. All matters pertaining to child abuse concerns should be processed through the DLP (DES Procedures 3:2)

The DLP acts appropriately where there are reasonable grounds for suspicion or where an allegation has been made.

Confidentiality

All information regarding concerns of possible child abuse should only be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis in the interests of the child. The giving of information to those who need to have that information is not a breach of confidentiality. This procedure exists for the protection of a child who may have been or has been abused. The DLP who is submitting a report to the Health Board or An GardaSiochána should inform a parent/guardian, unless doing so is likely to endanger the child or place that child at further risk. A decision not to inform a parent/guardian should be briefly recorded together with the reasons for not doing so.

In emergency situations, where the Health Board cannot be contacted, and the child appears to be at immediate and serious risk, An GardaSiochána should be contacted. A child should not be left in a dangerous situation where Health Board intervention is not forthcoming.

Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse

The protection for persons reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 provides immunity from civil liability to any person who reports a child protection concern ‘reasonably and in good faith’ to designated officers of Health Boards or any member of An GardaSiochána (DES Procedures 1:10)

Qualified Privilege

People making a report to the DLP in good faith have ‘qualified privilege’ under common law. Reports made to Health Boards may be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. This act enables members of the public to obtain access to personal information relating to them, which is in the possession of public bodies. However, the act also provides that public bodies may refuse access to information obtained by them in confidence (DES Procedures 1:11)

Definition and Recognition of Child Abuse

Child abuse can be categorised into four different types:

· Neglect

· Emotional abuse

· Physical abuse

· Sexual abuse

Each of these categories is defined in full in ‘Children First’ (Dept. of Children & Youth Affairs Chapter 2).

Neglect can be defined in terms of an omission, where the child suffers significant harm or impairment of development by being deprived of food, clothing, warmth, hygiene, intellectual stimulation, supervision and safety, attachment to and affection from adults, medical care.

Guidelines for Recognition of Child Abuse

A list of child neglect indicators is contained in Chapter 2:2 of Children First. This policy draws particular attention to ‘persistent evidence’ of neglect, including indicators such as no lunch, lack of uniform, no homework, poor attendance, persistent health problems, lack of sleep indicating inappropriate television viewing late at night and other evidence that would indicate a lack of supervision in the home. All signs and symptoms must be examined in the total context of the child’s situation and family circumstances.

There are commonly three stages in the identification of child abuse:

1. Considering the possibility

2. Looking out for signs of abuse

3. Recording of information

Each of these stages is developed in ‘Children First’ (2:2)

Handling Disclosures from Children

(DES Procedures 3:5) gives comprehensive details of how disclosures should be approached. Staffs are advised to deal with each situation sensitively, reassure the child, but not to make promises that cannot be fulfilled.

The adult should not ask leading questions or make suggestions. They should explain that further help may have to be sought. The discussion should then be recorded accurately.

The record should include reference to what was observed with sketches of physical injury where necessary. It should also record when the alleged incident took place. Records should be kept in a secure place. The information should then be conveyed to the school DLP.

If the reporting person and the DLP are satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion/allegation, the procedures outlined in ‘Children First’ must be adhered to. Standardised reporting forms should be used (DES Procedures Appendix 4). The content of the report should follow the guidelines in ‘Children First’.

Allegations or Suspicions in relation to School Employees (DES Procedures Ch. 5)

The Chairperson and the DLP are concerned with the protection of the children in their care in the first instance. However, employees must be protected against false and malicious claims. Due process must be observed in relation to allegations against employees. Legal Advice should be sought by the BoM in relation to an allegation in relation to an employee. If the allegation is against the DLP, the BoM Chairperson will assume the responsibility for reporting the matter to the Health Board.

Reporting

When an allegation of abuse is made against a school employee, the DLP should act in accordance with the procedures outlined in Children First. A written statement of the allegation should be sought from the person/agency making the report. A parent/guardian may make a statement on behalf of a child. The DLP should always inform the Chairperson of the BoM and is responsible for liaising with the HSE. The Chairperson assumes responsibility for dealing with the employee.

School employees, other than the DLP, who receive allegations against another school employee, should immediately report the matter to the DLP. School employees who form suspicions regarding conduct of another school employee should consult with the DLP.

The employee should be informed by the Chairperson of Holy Family School that:

a. An allegation has been made against him/her

b. The nature of the allegation

c. Whether or not the Health Board or Gardaí has been informed.

The employee should be given a copy of the written allegation and any other relevant documentation. The employee should be requested to respond to the allegation in writing to the BoM within a specified period and told that this may be passed to the Gardaí, Health Board and legal advisers.

The Chairperson must take the necessary steps to protect the child and may consult the BoM in this matter. The BOM may direct that the employee takes administrative leave with pay and avoid suspension, thus removing any implication of guilt. The DES should be immediately informed.

School Measures Taken to Protect the Children in Our Care

There are a number of areas where common sense in our school should prevail in order to protect the children in the school and the staff who care for them. In relation to this, certain points should be noted:

1. Holy Family School shall fully implement the Stay Safe programme

2. A copy of the school’s child protection policy, which includes the names of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Deputy DLP (DDLP), will be made available to all school personnel and the Parents’ Association and is readily accessible to parents on request

3. The name of the DLP and other relevant support services are displayed in a prominent position near the main entrance to the school

4. In addition to informing the school authority of those cases where a report involving a child in the school has been submitted to the HSE, the DLP shall also inform the school authority of cases where the DLP sought advice from the HSE and as a result of this advice, no report was made. At each BoM meeting, the Principal’s Report shall include the number of all such cases and this shall be recorded in the minutes of the BoM meeting.

5. Holy Family School will undertake an annual review of its Child Protection Policy and its implementation by the school. A checklist, to be used in undertaking the review (included at Appendix 1). The school has put in place an action plan to address any areas for improvement which might be identified in the annual review. The Board of Management shall make arrangements to inform school personnel that the review has been undertaken. Written notification that the review has been undertaken shall be provided to the Parent Association. A record of the review and its outcome shall be made available, if requested, to the patron and the DES.

· Staff who take classes to swimming lessons should make sure that there are two adults in attendance at all times. The dressing rooms

and pool area should be well supervised

· Staff should make every effort not be alone in a classroom with one child or detain a child on their own after school. In the case of special

needs pupils where resource hours and assistance are sanctioned on an individual basis, it is school policy that staff in such a situation

should work with the classroom door open, thus rendering the occupants visible at all times.

· When possible children should work in groups

· Children with physical disabilities who may require assistance in toileting will be aided by a Special Needs Assistant who has met

the necessary screening requirements when being employed by the school.

It should be noted that children with disabilities may be more at risk of abuse due to a number of reasons (DES Procedures 2:3). Parents, teachers and all staff involved in services for children with disabilities need to be familiar with the indicators of abuse and to be alert for signs of abuse.

Child Protection Practices

The staff and BoM of this school have identified the following as areas of specific concern in relation to Child Protection. Following discussion and consultation, the staff and BoM have agreed that the following practices be adopted:

· Physical contact between school personnel and the child should always be in response to the needs of the child and not the needs

of the adult.

While physical contact may be used to comfort, reassure or assist a child, the following should be factors in determining its appropriateness:

· It is acceptable to the child

· It is open and not secretive

· The age and developmental stage of the child

School personnel should avoid doing anything of a personal nature for children that they can do for themselves.

School personnel should never engage in or allow:

· The use of inappropriate language or behaviours

· Physical punishment of any kind

· Sexually provocative games or suggestive comments about or to a child

· The use of sexually explicit or pornographic material

All media products (CDs, DVDs etc.) should be checked for their appropriateness with regard to age and suitability.

Visitors/Guest Speakers

Appropriately appointed and screened visiting teachers of varying disciplines, engaged by the BoM of Holy Family School to perform specific duties, will be left work with a class alone at the Principal’s discretion.

Visitors/Guest speakers should never be left alone with pupils. The school (Principal/ teachers) has a responsibility to check out the credentials of the visitor/guest speaker and to ensure that the material in use is appropriate.

Children with specific toileting/intimate care needs

· In all situations where a pupil needs assistance with toileting/intimate care, a meeting will be convened, after enrolment and before the child starts school, between parents/guardians, class teacher, special needs assistant, Principal and if appropriate the pupil. The purpose of the meeting will be to ascertain the specific needs of the child and to determine how the school can best meet those needs

· The staff to be involved in this care will be identified and provision will be made for occasions when the particular staff involved are absent. A written copy of what has been agreed will be made and kept in the child’s file

· Two members of staff will be present when dealing with intimate care/toileting needs. Any deviation from the agreed procedure will be recorded and notified to the DLP and the parents/guardians.

Toileting accidents

In the event of a toileting accident, parents shall be contacted immediately. In the interim all efforts will be made to ensure that a change of clothing is made available to the child.

If the pupil for whatever reason cannot clean or change themselves and the parents/guardians cannot be contacted, the child will be assisted by members of staff familiar to the child. In all such situations, two members of staff should be present. A record of all such incidents will be kept and Principal and parents will be notified.

Accidents

While every precaution will be taken under our Health and Safety Statement to ensure the safety of children, we realise that accidents will happen. Accidents will be noted in our Incident file and will be addressed under our Accident Policy as part of Health and Safety.

One-to-one teaching

· It is the policy of this school that one-to-one teaching can sometimes be in the best interest of the child

· Every effort will be made to ensure that this teaching takes place in an open environment

· Parents of children who are to be involved in one-to-one teaching will be informed and their agreement sought

· Work being carried out by Special Needs Assistants will be carried out under the direction of the class teacher in an open environment.

Changing for Games/PE/Swimming

Pupils will be expected to dress and undress themselves for Games/PE/Swimming. Where assistance is needed, this will be done in the communal area and with the consent of parents. Under no circumstances will members of staff/volunteers be expected to or allowed to dress/undress a child unsupervised in a cubicle/private area. In such situations where privacy is required, the parents/guardians of the child will be asked to assist the child. Where swimming is concerned, at least two teachers and/or SNA will supervise in the communal changing area.

Attendance

Our school attendance will be monitored as per our attendance policy. With regards to child protection, we will pay particular attention to trends in non-attendance. We will also monitor non-attendance in correlation with signs of neglect/physical/emotional abuse.

Behaviour

Children are encouraged at all times to play co-operatively and inappropriate behaviour will be addressed under our Code of Behaviour. If an incident occurs which we consider to be of a sexualised nature, the DLP will be notified and the appropriate action will be taken.

Bullying

Bullying behaviour will be addressed under our Anti-Bullying policy. If the behaviour involved is of a sexualised nature or regarded as being particularly abusive, then the matter will be referred to the DLP.

Children travelling in staff cars

Members of the school staff will not carry children alone in their cars at any time.

Communication

Every effort will be made to enhance pupil-teacher communication. If pupils have concerns they will be listened to sympathetically. The SPHE/ORAL LANGUAGE/RE programmes allow for open pupil-teacher communication, which is hoped will aid the pupil-teacher relationship. If teachers have to communicate with pupils on a one-to-one basis, they are requested to leave the classroom door open or request a colleague to attend. Further details on communications are found in the school’s Communication Policy.

Induction of Staff

The DLP will be responsible for informing all new teachers and ancillary staff of the Child Protection Procedures (DES, 2011) and Children First Guidelines (2011), but particularly the recently published Children First – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2011). All new teachers are expected to teach the appropriate SPHE objectives for their class. A member of staff, once trained, will be responsible for the mentoring of new teachers and will be responsible for supporting new teachers as they implement the SPHE objectives.

Induction of Pupils

All parents and children will be made aware of attendance rules and their implications as laid down in the Education Welfare Act (2000). All parents will be informed of the programmes in place in the school that deal with personal development, e.g. RSE, Walk Tall, Stay Safe and SPHE. All new parents will be given a copy of the school’s enrolment policy, which outlines the procedures parents and children should use when contacting the school if there are absences or concerns of an educational/personal/family matter. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with the class teacher/principal if they wish to discuss their child’s progress. The school’s Code of Behaviour and Anti-Bullying policies are made available to all parents on the school webpage www.hfstralee.com

Internet Safety

It is the intention of the Principal and Staff at Holy Family School to ensure that child protection concerns will be addressed in the school’s Acceptable Use Policy as part of its Information and Communication Technology policy. The Stay Safe lessons in each classroom may be supplemented with appropriate resources.

Record Keeping

The recording of Child Protection issues where they arise will be in compliance with the guidelines as they are outlined in ‘Children First’ (Department of Children and Youth Affairs 2011).Sensitive information regarding children will be shared on a need-to-know basis.All records will be retained in a secure location.

Supervision

The school’s supervision policy will be followed by all staff to ensure that there is comprehensive supervision of children at all breaks. A rota will be displayed to cover lunchtime breaks.

Visibility

Teachers will ensure that children are visible in the school playground. Children will not be allowed to spend time in classrooms, toilets or sheds where they would not be under adult supervision. They are not to leave the school playground or to engage with adults who are outside of the school playground.

Appendix 1:

Checklist for Annual Review of the Child Protection Policy

The Board of Management must undertake an annual review of its Child Protection Policy and the following checklist shall be used for this purpose.

The checklist is designed as an aid to conducting this review and is not intended as an exhaustive list. The BoM may wish to include other items in the checklist that are of particular relevance to Holy Family School and reserves the right to do so if/when the need occurs.

1.

As part of the overall review process, Boards of Management should also assess other school policies, practices and activities vis a vis their adherence to the principles of best practice in child protection and welfare as set out in the school’s Child Protection policy

YES

NO

2.

Has the Board formally adopted a child protection policy in accordance with the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools’?

YES

NO

3.

As part of the school’s child protection policy, has the Board formally adopted, without modification, the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools’?

YES

NO

4.

Are there both a DLP and a Deputy DLP currently appointed?

YES

NO

5.

Are the relevant contact details (HSE and An GardaSíochána) to hand?

YES

NO

6.

Has the DLP attended available child protection training?

YES

NO

7.

Has the Deputy DLP attended available child protection training?

YES

NO

8.

Have any members of the Board attended child protection training?

YES

NO

9.

Has the school’s child protection policy identified other school policies, practices and activities that are regarded as having particular child protection relevance?

YES

NO

10.

Has the Board ensured that the Department’s ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary

and Post Primary Schools’ are available to all school personnel?

YES

NO

11.

Does the Board have arrangements in place to communicate the school’s child protection policy to new school personnel?

YES

NO

12.

Is the Board satisfied that all school personnel have been made aware of their responsibilities under the ‘Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools’?

YES

NO

13.

Since the Board’s last annual review, was the Board informed of any child protection

reports made to the HSE/An GardaSíochána by the DLP?

YES

NO

14.

Since the Board’s last annual review, was the Board informed of any cases where the DLP sought advice from the HSE and as a result of this advice, no report to the HSE was made?

YES

NO

15.

Is the Board satisfied that the child protection procedures in relation to the making of reports to the HSE/ An GardaSíochána were appropriately followed?

YES

NO

16.

Were child protection matters reported to the Board appropriately recorded in the Board minutes?

YES

NO

17.

Is the Board satisfied that all records relating to child protection are appropriately filed and stored securely?

YES

NO

18.

Has the Board ensured that the Parents’ Association has been provided with the school’s child protection policy?

In recent years, as a society, we have become very aware of the problem of child abuse through neglect, emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

Each one of us has a duty to protect children and Children First, the National Guidelines, for the Protection and Welfare of Children noted that teachers, who are the main care givers to children outside the family, are particularly well placed to observe and monitor children for signs of abuse.

In response to this, the Department of Education and Skills published procedures for all schools in relation to child protection and welfare. These guidelines promote the safety and welfare of all children and are to be welcomed.

The Board of Management of Holy Family School has adopted these guidelines as school policy. Consequently, if school staff suspect or are alerted to possible child abuse, they are obliged to refer this matter to the DLP/DDLP who will then take the appropriate action.

Children First, the National Guidelines for the Protection of Children may be accessed on the website of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (www.dcya.ie) and the Department of Education and Skills Child Protection Procedures can be read on the Department’s website (www.education.ie). Parents/Guardians are also welcome to look through the guidelines here at the school.

Yours sincerely,

Ed O’ Brien

Principal

Appendix 3

The Board of Management has adopted and will implement fully and without modification the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary Schools.

Ratification of Policy

This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Management once in every school year.